oohhh ooohhh... me me me... ... in my fotki, my first set of pictures (7/05) has a little more than shaved in the back pics and i'm currently pushin apl (i think).... in the beginning, i was definitely a surge addict but i think the consistent cowashing helped tremendously.... that and a good diet...

Who has grown there hair out from Shaved in the nape to long since finding this site? If so what did you do to achieve this??

I have done this a couple of times from where I had the Halle cut and the early Toni Braxton cut. Also, in October 2003, due to damage and total frustration, I shaved it all off completely (i.e Jamie Fox low cut). I wore a quick weave for a little while. Then when I was able to get a good 2-3 inches I cornrowed and wore a sew in. I then transitioned to other styles like braids and whatever.

When I was growing out the Halle and Toni cuts I would just let it grow and then when it would get to be about an inch or two I would slick it up and a wear bun (bun cover or a knot which we used to do back in the day before bun covers. Actually, I had a precursor to the bun cover which required just a $1.00 pack of synthetic hair). Usually about five to six months later or from about October to about May or June my hair would be about 5-6 inches long (when I was growing out these cuts were before I found out about LHCF). Back then, I didn't know but I was just keeping it clean, using the Ampro Protein Gel and leaving it alone. It was always neat and well groomed and I often got compliments. It was also easy and I was glad to see the results in the Spring. I guess it is sort like what the ladies in one of the threads are doing (Hide your hair challenge). Back then it wasn't a challenge it was just what I did because I hated seeing the in between stages. HTH. Stay encouraged. It will happen.

I follow the same concept now with my sew ins. Everyone says why do you wear a sew in when you have a nice length hair or long hair. My thing is I have a goal in mind, it's not the length that I want right now (I am currently about two inches from bra strap- and it's hoovring and it's frustrating right now becasue I should have been there already. I promised not to trim this year) and sometimes on this journey I get frustrated so to keep me from cutting it I put it away. It helps me alot and I have a different frame of mind in a month or so than I initially had when I first considered cutting it or doing something drastic (and a couple inches or so of hair as well.) I have a love/hate thing going on with my hair at times. But I have learned to cope and adjust. It comes with the territory. Patience is a virtue.

I, too started out with the "Halle cut." I decided to transition while letting it grow out. Naturally, some of those in-between stages almost felt unbearable, but I think having the option to wear my hair curly helped me make it through.

Once I could get my hair into a "nub," I wore phony ponies a lot to break the monotony.

I think the absence of chemicals, moisturizing, less heat and better hair care in general got me to my current length (bra strap when straightened.)

I, too am growing out a Toni/Halle cut. The in-between stage is terrible. I keep it hidden, otherwise I would cut it all off again The top is growing much faster than the back. I guess patience is the key.

My hair was cut in a Halle type cut and shaved in the back. I started growing it out about 6 months or so before finding this site. I did a chop of about 7" since then and when I trim I take off about an inch each time.

Me! Both relaxed and natural! I had short hair like Halle Berry, and I agree with the poster who said that the inbetween-stages are the worst. It doesn't seem like it's going anywhere!! My hair grew out within just over a year though.

Also, I BC-ed in February and only had less than half an inch left. It's at about chin-length now (stretched). I don't particularly do anything though. I'm too lazy. But I do have to say that relaxed or natural, I have always used as little heat as possible. Other than that, nothing special. Just be patient - you'll be surprised!